I am about to have a 2nd round of R/T, 12 weeks later after the first round (here in Miami at the University of Miami). It seems my hands have gotten worse since the first round, nodules and cords, of which I have several in both hands, are more pronounced, and a brand new nodule and cord between my right hand forefinger and thumb developed as well.

Is this normal that hands get worse between treatments. As well, what am I to expect after this next treatment? More of the same?

I also feel cords extending into my fingers and thumbs when I outstreach my hands. I have no contractures per se but it feels like my whole hand is being affected with aches, pains, awful feeling of stretched flesh, etc.

As well: If I have nodules or cords developing outside of the 1st round R/T treatment boundry or I feel they are even though you can't see it), ....should I insist that the Doctor radiate further up my fingers and into my thumbs.......

Right now they are just going to the base of my fingers and thumbs.

I was told by a couple of Doctors that it is not good to radiate up the fingers as the tissue is more sensitive to radiation there and there could be a higher degree of complications down the road. (not enough flesh there or something like that I recall, like in the palms)

I am just at a loss what to do about this whole thing (and hand doctors are totally useless),,,,I have been to 5 already and each one said basically there is nothing they can do, especially since I have no contractures per se.

thanks

I had a similar reaction (completed RT in January 2013). The radiation seemed to stimulate Dupuytren's activity for a few months as I noticed a new nodule in the radiated field and tenderness of the other irradiated nodules.

Jolene, it's still there but hasn't grown. It's small and can only be felt, not seen. The only issue I have at the moment is the dryness from the RT, worsened by the cold weather. I've got a big triangle of dry flaky skin on each palm. Moristurizing helps.

Jolene:

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Hi Ell,

I do not remember if I asked, how much of your hand was radiated? Did he do the fingers or only the palm?

Just a heads up:
I have found that the 'Original BLUE-EMU' super strength works like magic on the dryness. It also helps to sooth the hands. Its immediate soothing. You buy it a Wal-Mart or any drug store. It is rather pricy. About $11.50 for a 4oz jar. It last a long time. It has Emu oil, aloe, MSM & Glucosamine in it. It is deep penetrating soothing formula. Comes in a white jar with blue label.

Jolene:

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Hi Ell,

I do not remember if I asked, how much of your hand was radiated?